Dual-Mode Power Converter Bridge Arm Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional inverters in grid-connected renewable energy systems can only operate in a single mode, limiting their flexibility and applicability, especially in split-phase systems where they can only be used in specific circumstances.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion apparatus with dual-mode control, comprising a bridge arm assembly and a capacitor assembly, where a control unit selectively switches between voltage source and current source modes based on load types, allowing increased flexibility in load configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional inverter operates in a single mode (voltage source or current source), then the circuit structure is simple, but the adaptability to different load types is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different load typesVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter is divided into two independent bridge arms, each capable of operating in different modes (voltage source or current source). This segmentation allows each bridge arm to be independently controlled according to the specific load requirements, enabling the system to adapt to various load types without requiring a complete redesign of the entire circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically switches between voltage source mode and current source mode for each bridge arm based on the load type. This dynamic adaptability allows the inverter to optimize its performance for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple underlying circuit structure, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a traditional inverter uses a single operation mode, then the control system is simple, but the flexibility in load configuration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in load configurationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can identify load types, select appropriate operating modes (voltage source or current source), and control both bridge arms independently. This multi-functionality allows the control system to provide flexible load configuration capabilities while avoiding the need for separate control systems for different operating modes, thus improving ease of operation without excessive complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional inverter is designed for specific circumstances only, then the device complexity is low, but the applicability in different systems (e.g., split-phase systems) is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability in different systemsVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different bridge arms are assigned different operating modes (voltage source or current source) according to the specific requirements of connected loads or system configurations. This local optimization allows the inverter to adapt to different system types (including split-phase systems) by configuring each bridge arm appropriately, improving applicability without requiring complete circuit redesign for each application scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11496067B2Power conversion apparatus with dual-mode control
Publication Date: 2022.11.08 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US11496067B2 patent drawing
  • US11496067B2 patent drawing
  • US11496067B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power conversion apparatus with dual-mode control includes a bridge arm assembly, a capacitor assembly, and control unit. The bridge arm assembly includes a first bridge arm and a second bridge arm. The control unit selectively controls the first bridge arm to be operated in a voltage source switching mode or a current source switching mode according to the load type of a first load, and controls the second bridge arm to be operated in the voltage source switching mode or the current source switching mode according to the load type of a second load.